RIZAL, Kalinga – Farmers in the province continue to receive government interventions to help them migrate from poverty to a more comfortable life.
The Department of Agriculture-Special Area for Agricultural Development Program recently distributed P1.3 million worth of support to strengthen goat production in Rizal and allow farmers to build a community enterprise.
A total of 134 upgraded goats and 120 rolls of cyclone wire were given to the Romualdez Farmers Association and Calagango People’s Association, Inc.
SAAD Focal Person Ayne Elveña said the six months old upgraded goats are ready for breeding for their one-hectare multiplier farm project. The goats are expected to multiply in four months at the most.
This initiative is geared towards establishing an enterprise focused on goat production to be sold within the locality and nearby areas, provide employment among the members, and serve as a source of extra income, Elveña said.
The DA Cordillera also recently trained 39 beneficiaries from Rizal and Tabuk City on community-based oyster mushroom production.
As a starting kit, 500 fruiting bags of oyster mushroom were distributed to participants ready for incubation and are expected to be fully ramified in the next three weeks.
Barangay Kagawad Marynel Dugayon of Dupag, Tabuk City said the intervention is significant since it can add to their source of income.
“We are grateful to receive this kind of program from the government since this could help us earn more for our family, especially that we are still in the middle of pandemic,” Dugayon said.
Evangeline Balderama, focal person on mushroom production project, said growing mushroom involves minimal care, maintenance, and capital since the resources needed are readily available in the community.
Substrates used like rice straw, sawdust, dried banana leaves, and other agricultural waste called biomass can be collected in the farm or field after the cropping season. – Peter A. Balocnit
